FINAL REPORT

For more information about the 2017 edition of the #OurOcean conference go to

www.ourocean2017.org.

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CONTENTS

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 3

Summary of the meeting presentations and commitments ................................................................................... 4

Thursday, 5 October 2017 ................................................................................................................................... 4

Welcome & opening remarks ............................................................................................................................ 4

Keynote address ................................................................................................................................................. 5

Scene setter panel: exploring and sustaining an ocean for life ........................................................................ 6

Special address ................................................................................................................................................... 7

Panel session: marine pollution and announcements ...................................................................................... 7

Panel session: marine protection and announcements .................................................................................. 11

Panel session: maritime security and announcements ................................................................................... 14

Friday, 6 October 2017 ...................................................................................................................................... 16

Welcome ........................................................................................................................................................... 16

Keynote address ............................................................................................................................................... 16

Panel session: building the sustainable blue economy of tomorrow and announcements .......................... 16

Panel session: sustainable fisheries and announcements .............................................................................. 20

Keynote address ............................................................................................................................................... 23

Panel session: climate-related impacts on the ocean and announcements .................................................. 23

Report from the Youth Event. .......................................................................................................................... 26

Our Ocean leadership and announcements .................................................................................................... 26

Closing keynote speech .................................................................................................................................... 29

Closing remarks ................................................................................................................................................ 29

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide accurate information. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them.

However, the European Commission and the European External Action Service accept no responsibility or liability

whatsoever with regard to this information. The announcement of commitments at the Our Ocean Conference and their

inclusion in the final list of commitments does not mean in any way that the European Commission has endorsed their

legality.

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INTRODUCTION

"Forests are our planet's green lung, but oceans are its blue heart. It is now up to all of us to keep this blue heart

beating." KARMENU VELLA, European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

In the last few decades, science has revealed the widespread deterioration of the marine environment and its

resources, something long witnessed by coastal populations. In response, we must focus on nurturing our

collective capacity to tackle these challenges and mitigate their impact. We need immediate and forward-

looking actions that protect the marine environment. In line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we

must invest in solutions: ambitious political actions that mobilise change-makers from government, business

and civil society to turn good ideas into reality.

The Our Ocean Conference is all about driving these commitments. Commitments that will reduce marine

pollution, manage aquatic resources sustainably, mitigate climate change, and set up marine sanctuaries. Since

2014, the Our Ocean Conference has brought about 250 concrete actions across the world, committing over

EUR 8.2 billion (USD 9.2 billion) and designating 9.9 million square kilometres as new Marine Protected Areas

(MPAs).

The 2017 edition of the Our Ocean Conference – An Ocean for Life will build on these results, making further

contributions to maritime security and the sustainable development of the Blue Economy across the world.

Held in Malta, and hosted by the European Union over 5-6 October 2017, the Conference generated over EUR

seven billion in commitments on oceans.

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SUMMARY OF THE MEETING PRESENTATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

THURSDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2017

The Conference opened with a dramatic video documentary of the importance of the ocean, its current

perilous state and the hope instilled by human commitment to resolve the situation.

Oleksandra Vakulina (Euronews) was the Master of Ceremonies.

WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS

Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and

Vice-President of the European Commission opened the Conference welcomed all the participants, both to the

conference and Malta. She said that the Mediterranean used to be called the Mare Nostrum (our sea).

Belonging originally to the Romans, she said it is now a global common, for all humanity, and we all have a

reason to preserve it for perpetuity. A healthy ocean is one of the earth’s greatest resources, supporting

millions of jobs and livelihoods. Over 90 % of global trade is via the sea. Although bigger than any continent, it

is still vulnerable - by 2050 the oceans will contain more plastic than fish, and sea level rise is already impacting

coastal communities. Thus, the oceans are becoming a distinct threat, but it is not the ocean’s fault. She noted

that climate-change and maritime insecurity is man-made, but we can all be part of the solution. John Kerry

launched the Our Ocean conference initiative four years ago. This year the EU is proud to put EUR 560 million

with 36 concrete actions, from global cooperation with others, to small gestures e.g. EU embassies have

cleaned up 27 beaches so far this year. This is truly a collective responsibility. One of the main targets is to

put MPAs on 10 % of the ocean area and EU and partners have agreed on the world’s largest MPA in the

Antarctic. Two-thirds of global waters lie beyond national jurisdiction. Turning to maritime security, she said

that nations must work together, and international cooperation is essential. All share an interest to travel

safely around the world – the seas can be dangerous when politics fail, increasing insecurity. The EU has played

a major role in securing the Indian Ocean during the pirate crisis. The EU is also investing in increasing capacity

in the Gulf of Guinea for a network to fight piracy, where local capacity-building is essential, including in the

criminal justice system. The EU has excellent satellite-based technology - for instance the Galileo and

Copernicus satellite programmes have been tasked with maritime security, pollution monitoring and IUU

fishing detection. She concluded that a globalised world needs more such investment in international

cooperation and noted whilst this is an ambitious goal, it is a moral imperative and that we can truly be a Mare

Nostrum for all mankind.

Karmenu Vella, Member of the European Commission, responsible for Environment, Maritime Affairs and

Fisheries welcomed all to Malta and the 2017 ‘Our Ocean’ Conference. He said that we are here for one reason

only – our Ocean. He noted that it was 50 years to the day when the Maltese Country Representative gave a

speech to the UN General Assembly, which led to the adoption of the most far reaching treaty, the United

Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), covering laws preventing pollution and governing access

to marine resources. He said that we are today discussing the same issues and then asked that whilst we are

50 years older, are we 50 years wiser? The ocean gives us much: climate, food, energy, etc. But it is also clear

what we give in return: CO2, IUU, pollution etc, but this is taking a toll on the ocean much faster than we

expected. Recently the European Commission brought fisheries and the environment together under one

Commissioner, thus emphasising their inseparability: if we are to have a green sustainable future, we must

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look after our blue planet. This is a global issue, and must be handled internationally. But we must be positive -

the EU has been a driving force behind this global effort, and we are all committed to SDG 14 Life Below Water.

He said he was proud that there are representatives from over 40 nations here, with Airbus’s work on satellite

surveillance meaning we are even getting commitments from space! He also welcomed the participation of the

private sector to this Conference. The EU itself is bringing more than 30 commitments to the Conference of

around 560 EUR million. For instance, 90 % of assessed fish stocks in the Mediterranean are being over-fished.

He then announced that the GFCM is set to adopt an EU proposal to establish an MPA in the Adriatic Sea to

protect the spawning habitat of hake and langoustine, a first step in a long process. He concluded by saying

“Colleagues, we are all trusted to look after the ocean. Let’s get to work, and let’s hear your commitments”.

His Excellency Dr. Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister of the Republic of Malta welcomed everyone to Malta, a

small island at heart of the Mediterranean. He said he wanted his speech to count, and to set the tone, with

Malta’s commitments showing the way for the others. He committed to the re-use of 70 % of plastic bottles by

2019. Although this might be contentious, it would set the trend. He also said they have designated an area

larger than Malta itself as an MPA and committed to designate 30 % of its waters as an MPA by 2018, with

management plans by 2020. Malta is also developing a small centre of excellence to assist develop best

practices and practical solutions for small states. Dr. Muscat urged the private sector to assist with this,

assisting smaller players where possible. Malta pioneered the Law of the Sea and he confirmed that Malta is

committed to preserving the oceans.

A video message from His Excellency António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations reflected that

marine and land-based activities threaten our oceans, with SIDS being particularly vulnerable. He mentioned

that the recent UN Ocean Conference (5-9 June 2017) was a step in the right direction and wished everyone a

productive conference.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales said he was enormously flattered to be invited to the conference. He

acknowledged and thanked all for their contributions, especially John Kerry and Karmenu Vella to initiating

these Conferences. HRH reflected his deep affection for Malta and its people and said his interest in marine

ecosystems and their resources was initiated by his time in the Royal Navy. He shared a few reflections of his

experience to demonstrate the bold action required. Firstly, that the problems are both enormous and

systemic. Effective partnerships are essential, as is decisive action – for instance Canada took a difficult decision

to close the cod fishery, ending more than 400 years of fishing tradition and put 30,000 people out of work.

But it has worked, and cod stocks are recovering. This shows that, given a chance, we can reverse problems

and gives hope that we can do the same with plastic litter and ocean acidification. The SDGs and the Paris

Agreements have also been key in setting benchmarks. HRH said that whilst we should be relieved that oceans

are better understood, he was not sure if the ocean’s vulnerability is truly grasped. The 8 million tonnes of

plastic that enters the sea each year is very alarming. Faced with such damaging effects on the ocean, the

throw away lifestyle, he urged a transition to a circular economy. The blue economy encompasses all economic

growth generated by the sea, on the water and on land - this should be welcomed, but should not be an

opening for endless exploitation. Corals provide a habitat for two-fifths of all marine biodiversity, but only

cover two per cent of the ocean and are much more vulnerable that we thought. The recent degradation of

many reefs, inc. the Great Barrier Reef, is a major wake-up call. The huge elephant in the room is climate

change. There is some movement in this direction, the sense of urgency to tackle this is still lacking, and surely

the recent catastrophic hurricanes in the Caribbean are a wakeup call. HRH said that time is long overdue to

look at perverse fishing subsides and their contribution to overfishing, over-capacity, and IUU. The Prince said

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his International Sustainability Unit (ISU) is currently working with the EU and WWF on financing principles for

the blue economy and will engage with banks, insurance companies and NGOs to take this forward. HRH

looked forward to the next Our Ocean conferences in Indonesia and Norway, but wondered what successes

would be revealed: Will IUU being halted? Will plastics be stopped entering the ocean? Will green finance be

targeted at the blue economy? Will there be initiatives for sustainability in ocean management? He begged

forgiveness for his mounting despair to draw attention to the immense planetary crisis that is evolving, but

emphasised that we need urgent change, and to forge partnerships to show it is not too late to change and

that at this finely balanced point in our civilization, we must act now. He recognised that his commitment is

not new, wanted to restate his commitment to protect not only the heath of the ocean, but also the viability of

the greatest and most unique of living organisms, nature itself.

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco voiced his appreciation to HRH Prince of

Wales for perfectly voicing the challenges we face. He then said that the status of the ocean is one of the

tragedies of our time and whilst it is difficult to take in the complexities of science, it is an essential tool for

informed decision-making. He stated that the actions needed are numerous and that there is a need to change

the approach of maritime economies to reflect the vulnerability of the resources they depend upon. He ended

by stating the urgency to prevent irreparable harm from being done and reflected that there is nothing is more

contagious than example.

SCENE SETTER PANEL: EXPLORING AND SUSTAINING AN OCEAN FOR LIFE

Sylvia Earle, the renowned marine biologist and founder of Mission Blue began with a message from the

millions of creatures that rely on the oceans for their existence. They want to know why we are holding a

conference called Our Oceans – and they think this is a little presumptuous! This planet has been occupied for

millions of years by non-humans, who have shaped the world into what it is now. If sharks were here and could

speak, they might say that whilst some humans get bitten, hundreds of thousands of sharks are killed each year

and that less than ten per cent, or even one per cent of sharks are left since Jacques Cousteau’s days. This is

true of many different marine species and indeed habitats, and the deep sea.

Dr Earle said that we speak of a common heritage of ‘mankind’, but it should be common heritage of ‘life on

earth’, and that we should treat other forms of life the same as our own, with dignity and respect. She

reflected that only three people have been to the deepest part of the sea – this is pathetic compared to the

rapid rate of exploration of space. She went on to say that despite this, we now know so much more – and

how much more is to be known, including that our impact on land and sea is changing nature, and this is

putting nature - and ourselves - at risk.

Emily Penn, cofounder eXXpedition recalled that she was once awoken by the thud of plastic on her biofueled

powerboat Earthrace’s hull, hundreds of miles from land. She had stopped at small islands who had suffered

from industrial overfishing of local resources, sea level rise and increasing use of plastic waste which is difficult

to dispose of properly in SIDS. She said there is no concept of throwing waste away into a managed system and

thus new infrastructure and understanding is needed of this new persistent material. In one location she

picked up 56 tonnes of rubbish in five hours. She said there is now an oceanic soup of plastic, invisible to the

eye, hugely complicating the clean-up process. Plastic is now in the food chain and we all have a plastic ‘body

burden’ which we will never get rid of. Whilst not a direct health threat, this is an alarming indicator. Whilst

the impacts are at sea, the actions must take place upstream on land. She reflected that this will need a huge

change in attitude and the way things are done from present, and whilst we did not set out to destroy the

work, we now need to ‘re-set our sails’ and take a new direction. She finished by saying that her generation,

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and generations to come want to count upon access to the oceans and its resources, and that they are

counting on the leadership and commitments made in Malta today.

SPECIAL ADDRESS

Adrian Grenier, Actor, Founder of the Lonely Whale Foundation said that whilst he is an actor, film maker, UN

goodwill Ambassador, etc. he was above all a citizen of the world. He is deeply worried by the state of the

oceans, and whilst there are lots of conferences and a lot of talking, there is a lot of catching up to do. He said

we have all been neglecting our ocean duties, that “the music is not good” and is of destruction, and needs to

be transposed to address these problems. With 250 concrete commitments over the last three years of Our

Ocean, the baton has now passed to Europe. This will be both a trickle down and a trickle up process. Marine

pollution is one of the world’s most insidious threats and with ten million tonnes of plastic going into the seas

each year, an average person who eats shellfish also consumes 11,000 pieces of micro plastic as well. The

Lonely Wave Foundation has assisted businesses and consumers to refuse to use the single use plastic straw

and are looking to eliminate 15 billion straws. He asked that everyone give up single use straws - everyone

stood up and formally pledged to “stop sucking”.

PANEL SESSION: MARINE POLLUTION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Short video stressing the need to switch to circular economies, to minimise waste and prevent plastics from

reaching the sea.

Scene setter: Afroz Shah, Lawyer, Environmental Organiser, UN’s Environment Champion of the Earth opened

by stating that the level of security in entering the conference showed how much energy we can put into

protecting what we love, but regretted that so little effort been put into protecting the ocean. He said that we

all know the problem of marine litter, and that we should not wait until there are more rules and regulations,

as this needs to be addressed now. He mentioned that it had become a personal journey and showed a short

video clip of a very contaminated beach in Mumbai. He said there is a need to rekindle ties with the ocean, and

that we all need to take care of our environment and do our bit. To date he has participated in picking up

5,000 tonnes of litter, the world’s biggest beach clean-up. He finished by saying that cleaning a beach shows a

mental commitment to the marine environment, reinstating our connection with nature.

Moderator: Ayana Johnson, Founder of Ocean Collectiv, Adjunct Professor at New York University provided

some context to the commitments to be given in this panel. She said that one-third of plastic is dumped in the

ocean, is transformed into microplastics and that one-third of fish landed in the UK are contaminated.

Addressing this will need major commitments, and that with political will, a cultural shift and technological

innovation we can get out of this mess.

Isabella Lövin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for International Development Cooperation, Kingdom of

Sweden opened by saying that we are all in this together and need to cooperate. She was proud to be

announce some new Swedish commitments. Sweden led the first ever UN oceans conference this June. She

emphasised the need for strong commitments at all levels and proposed some ambitious programmes for 2018

worth EUR 55 M and EUR 199 M over the next years in 3 main areas: (i) ocean clean-up, removal of hazardous

materials, (ii) to combat eutrophication and (iii) responsible plastic management, cleaning up beaches and

looking at new alternative materials. She also used Our Ocean 2017 to announce other commitments, inc. EUR

6.3 M in 2018, and EUR 19 M to follow in MPAs and biodiversity conservation. She wants to make Sweden

emission-free by 2045, the first coastal nation to do so. The EcoBonus Initiative has been earmarked about

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EUR 5.2 M over 3 years annually to move freight from land to sea. She also committed the allocation of EUR

3.7 M over the next three four years for a set of initiatives by the International Union for Conservation of

Nature (IUCN) to support governments, industry and society in Eastern and Southern Africa and the Asia Pacific

regions in promoting, enacting and enforcing legislation and other measures to contain and reduce marine

plastic pollution. She concluded by stating that there is an urgency to this work, and need to “start walking,

not just talking”. The ocean is owned by no one, but shared by everyone.

Barbara Hendricks, Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety,

Federal Republic of Germany said that ‘business as usual’ is no longer an option and emphasised the need for

joint action. She said that Germany is committed to the OSPAR and HELCOM conventions, with marine litter

reduction being very much part of this. Two years ago, Germany made marine conservation a priority and

announced the launch of the G20 Action Plan on Marine Litter as part of its 2017 G20-Agenda. She said we

need to turn our words into actions - Germany is investing EUR 30 M under a Ten Point Plan of Action for

Marine Conservation and Sustainable Fisheries. She announced the launch of the STRONG High Seas Project

this year which through the support by Germany and contributions from partners, the project will receive EUR

3.9 M over the next five years to strengthen regional ocean governance for the conservation and sustainable

use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ).

Shuxian Sun, Deputy Minister, State Oceanic Administration of China acknowledged that as a coastal country

China was aware of their reliance on socio-economic development, that the price of pollution has become a

common issue, and confirmed that China was committed to achieving the SDG 14. He announced EUR 8 million

(USD 9 million) worth national research projects to develop marine micro plastics, jellyfish, red tide, pathogenic

microorganisms monitoring and preventing technology and the country’s intention to focus on the elimination

of plastic waste pollution in estuaries and bays and to formulate plans for action against pollution from marine

wastes. He also announced that by 2020 China will implement the ‘Blue Bay’ renovation project in at least 66

bays and adjacent areas, approximately 70 % of the coastal water quality meets the excellent or good Grade (I

or II Grade) for Chinese National Sea Water Quality Standard. China further announced that it will further

strengthen the conservation of the natural coastline, to ensure that the mainland shoreline remains at least 35

per cent undeveloped and that MPAs occupy over 11 % of Chinese coastal waters

Virginie Helias, Vice President of Sustainability, Procter and Gamble (P&G) said her mission was embedding

sustainability into everything P&G did, and reflected that as P&G brands are used by five billion people every

day this was very important. She committed to use innovation to reduce double the amount of recyclable

plastics our (PCR) packaging by 2020, with the long-term vision of using 100 % recycled materials. P&G have a

limited edition Fairy Liquid ‘Beach plastic’ product with 10 % recycled plastic. P&G Dish brands announced it

will continue to use 8,000 tonnes of recycled plastic per year in its transparent plastic bottles, using an average

of 40 % Post-Consumer Recycled plastic content across 481 million transparent dish care bottles globally.

Nicky Davies, Programme Director, The Plastic Solution Fund committing to raise EUR 12.6 M over the next

three years to combat single use plastic packaging, with EUR 9 M already committed. She stated that macro-

plastics are the tip of the iceberg, and that micro-plastics are a much more intractable problem. She reflected

that plastics will account for 44 % of oil production growth, that plastic is not a carbon sink, with recycling a

much better solution. The Plastic Solution Fund is funding on upstream solutions to prevent, not cure, the issue

and will assist establish zero waste programmes across Asia. She said they want the EU to set ambitious goals

for reducing single use packaging.

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Commitments from Island Stages

France: France is committed to marine plastic prevention and announced that France will no longer sell

cosmetic products containing plastic microbeads by 1 January 2018 and cotton buds with plastic stems by 1

January 2020. They reaffirmed the second expansion of the marine reserve in the French Southern and

Antarctic Lands in the Indian Ocean by one million square kilometres by 2022, which already includes a buffer

zone. This will enable France to reach a total of 32 % of French waters classified as Marine Protected Areas by

2022. By 2020 France will protect 55,000 ha of mangroves in its oversea territories.

European Union: Stated that oil spills are still a main source of pollution, and that EU coastal states are

committing EUR 2.85 M to prevent pollution disasters around the EU, with a further EUR 2.5 M to assist

cooperation efforts in the EU neighbourhood.

New Zealand was pleased to announce two commitments, firstly to ban all ‘wash-off’ products that contain

plastic microbeads for exfoliating, cleansing or abrasive cleaning purposes, which will come into effect by May

2018 and secondly to address the issue of abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) and commends

the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI). New Zealand also recognised that ocean acidification is a major threat

and was pleased to announce that they had joined the International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification.

Panama said that in Oct 2016 they had ratified a commitment to the control of ship ballast water management.

They also committed that by 2018, they would contribute more than EUR 850 M to the Panama City and bay

sanitation project to ensure the marine contamination is reduced and the health of Panama Bay and marine

ecosystems are restored. Panama also committed (i) USD 400,000 to marine parks, (ii) establishing national

indicators of integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) and biodiversity and socio-economic progress over

2017 – 2108 and (iii) contributing a million USD over 2016 -2017 in green tourism for the preservation of

biodiversity

USA: The State Department announced (i) up to EUR 7.6 M over four years for the establishment of a small

grants portfolio on waste recycling focusing on municipal waste management and recycling efforts in

Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam and (ii) a contribution of up to EUR 418,000 to the New

Plastics Economy Initiative’s Circular Design Challenge.

Unilever: announced via video message its commitment to help transform global plastic packaging material

flows by ensuring all of its plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025; increasing its use

of recycled plastic content in its packaging to at least 25 % by 2025 (against a 2015 baseline); publishing the full

“palette” of plastics materials used in its packaging by 2020 to help create a plastics protocol for the industry;

and helping tackle the industry-wide sachet waste issue, by investing in proving, and then sharing with

industry, a technical solution to recycle multi-layered sachets.

The Aquarium Conservation Partnership announced the elimination of plastic straws and single-use take-away

plastic bags in its 19 member aquariums as of 10 July 2017, and the significant reduction or elimination of

single-use plastic beverage bottles in member aquariums by 1 December 2020. The ACP also committed to

showcasing innovative alternatives to single-use plastic for its millions of visitors. The members of the ACP are

committed to allocate annually EUR 210,000 to this cause.

Borealis AG committed to zero wastage form production, also to design products for a second life for plastic

material, investing EUR 15 M in this. They also announced a EUR 4 M initiative to accelerate waste

management improvements in South-East Asia to be rolled out over 2018-2019.

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The Dow Chemical Company announced EUR 128,100 funding for three new research projects to help solve

the issue of plastics marine litter: two projects, one each in Japan and Indonesia, will set up systems to

measure the flow of trash into the ocean and will propose solutions to prevent the characterized waste from

reaching the ocean. The third project will test the use of non-recycled plastic in roadways in Indonesia.

ECOALF: announced that the ‘Upcycling the Oceans’ project to test plastic recovery from the Mediterranean is

now being tested in Thailand. They also announce that the project will be expanded to all the Spanish

Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Will expend the number of ports from 32 to 60, and from 440 trawlers to

770, removing 200 tonnes of marine debris.

GEF and the EIB: announced a EUR 35.9 million (USD 42.3 million) commitment to the MedProgramme.

Implemented by UNEP and the EBRD, this builds on the Barcelona Convention. This exciting partnership with

investment banks also includes the EIB, reflecting the ocean as a valued asset. A USD seven million GEF

contribution will allow MeHSIP to prepare sub-projects leveraging an expected implementation value of USD

500 M.

Marks and Spencer: announced that all its plastic packaging in the UK will be 100 % recyclable and widely

recycled by 2022. In addition, M&S will assess the feasibility for all its plastic packaging to be made from one

polymer group by 2022 to reduce consumer confusion and to improve recycling.

Ocean Conservancy, the Trash Free Seas Alliance, & Closed Loop Partners, with the support of brands,

including Procter & Gamble, 3M, PepsiCo, and plastic makers from the American Chemistry Council and the

World Plastics Council, announced the formation of a new initiative to reduce marine debris through

improving waste collection, recycling and reuse. The initiative, which will be led by Closed Loop Partners, aims

to create a new funding mechanism to raise over EUR 128 M over five years to improve waste collection,

sorting, and recycling markets in SE Asia.

PepsiCo: announced via video message its ambition to design 100 % of its packaging to be recyclable,

compostable or biodegradable, increase recycled materials in its plastic packaging, reduce packaging’s carbon

impact, and in partnership with the PepsiCo Foundation, work to increase recycling rates by 2025.

Think Beyond Plastic announced a partnership with California State University at Monterey Bay to develop an

Innovation Centre with a budget EUR 4.25 M to accelerate commercialisation of research and innovation with a

focus on plastic pollution. This centre will offer growing access to material innovation space for development,

characterisation and scalability testing by 2020.

The Volvo Ocean Race announced that in its 2017-2018 edition single-use plastic consumption in Race Villages

will be reduced by at least 80 %, with the objective to ban it entirely from 2019-2020 edition. In addition, Volvo

Ocean Race will raise awareness on ocean plastic pollution by advocating "Turn the Tide" message to 3 million

visitors to its Host Cities globally; Volvo Ocean Race will host seven ‘Ocean Summits’ by the June 2018. Finally,

Volvo Ocean race will contribute to ocean science by gathering data and monitoring micro plastic pollution on-

board race boats over 2017-2018.

The Werner & Mertz Group, whose packaging is already 100 % recyclable, committed to use 100 % recycled

plastic in at least 70 million bottles each year as of 2017, corresponding to 65 % of its entire annual bottle

volume, aiming to go up to 100 % for all its consumer goods packaging by 2025

Zero Waste Europe: a European network of NGOs working with 397 zero waste municipalities, announced the

allocation of EUR 300,000 over the next three years to include other 20 cities into the network, thus reducing

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waste generation by 20 % and increasing recycling by 40 %. They also announced the allocation of EUR 300,000

to involve 16 cities in South East Asia to implement a zero waste strategy by 2020.

The United Kingdom announced its commitment to banning the manufacture and sale of plastic microbeads in

rinse-off cosmetics and personal care products by the end of June 2018, as well as committing EUR 566,700

(GBP 500,000) to launch a new ‘litter innovation fund’. The UK also announced a global partnership on

fisheries-related marine litter with the GGGI.

Sri Lanka: stated progress from 2016 commitments, including moving toward oil contingency planning and

MPA designation, and a new act in 2017 has banned trawl fisheries. They also announced its commitment to

make the country polythene-free.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation Innovation Prize

Video introduction by Ellen MacArthur. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Design Challenge with EUR

850,000 (USD one million) prize money was launched together with the Prince of Wales’s ISU and is funded by

Wendy Schmidt. Together with a 12-month accelerator programme, the prize money will help scale design

solutions that keep plastics in the economy, and out of the ocean. Commissioner Vella then announced the six

winners to be:

1. Waste-free shopping (i) MIWA (Czech Republic); (ii) Algramo (Chile);

2. Single dose sachets: (i) Evoware (Indonesia); (ii) Delta (UK); and

3. Reinventing coffee to go: (i) CupClub (UK); (ii) TrioCup (USA)

PANEL SESSION: MARINE PROTECTION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Video introduction on MPAs reflecting that they are small in number and poorly resourced. It said we should

look to 10 % of the ocean area being protected by 2020, and 30 % by 2030.

Scene setter: Dr. Enric Sala, Marine Ecologist and National Geographic Explorer said that MPAs are key to

preserving the oceans, with fish abundance 600 % higher than unprotected areas, and that one km² of

protected gives EUR 12 M income from additional tourism and other economic services. However only 1.5 % of

the ocean is fully protected and 1.6 % partially protected.

Moderator: His Excellency Heraldo Muñoz, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Chile emphasised the role of

multiple actors in ocean management. He then announced the creation of three new MPAs totalling

620,152 km² with almost 46 percent of Chile EEZ now protection. He also announced a National Committee to

Combat IUU Fishing and that Chile is now a cooperating non-contracting party to the IATTC. He was pleased to

announce that during Oct 2017 a bill will be sent to the Chile congress to prohibit the use of plastic bags in

coastal communities, a first in South America. Finally, Chile is working on a National Oceanic Policy to improve

integration between different ministries.

His Excellency Henry Puna, Prime Minister, Cook Islands. The Cook Islands is a small island state with a large

EEZ of 2 million km². He said that the ocean is the essence of life for our people and that his government had

consulted widely with them over the last 5 years. The support was overwhelming – Cook Islanders want the

MPA extended from 1.1 M km², to 2 M km² and sea bed mining banned in coastal areas (agreed 2 years ago).

He announced that 3 months ago, with the passing of the Marae Moana Act 2017 there are now 15 exclusion

zones encircling each of the 15 islands of the Cook Islands to 50 nm from shore. The total area of the exclusion

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zones is 324,000 km², which is 16 % of the EEZ. The Cook Islands have committed to 100 % renewable energy

by 2020 and have already exceeded 50 % target. He concluded with the sobering message that there are still

many countries that are still ignoring the plight of oceans, despite recent efforts and global accords such as the

Paris Agreement.

Dominic LeBlanc, Minister for Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, said that Canada has an interim

target to protect five per cent of their waters by the end of 2017. They have established three new MPAs and

have a set of new science-based criteria for area based-measures, which can act as refuges. Canada recognises

that future MPAs should include a minimum set of management standards and announced that Canada is

developing an Advisory Panel to support this. Canada is investing EUR 8,175,916 over four years to protect the

Last Ice Area, the only Arctic region expected to retain summer sea ice until 2050. Canada reaffirmed the

establishment of the Coastal Restoration Fund, making available around EUR 51 M from 2017-2022 for eligible

projects. He finished by committing that Canada will be a valuable and trustworthy partner in ocean

protection.

Dalton Tagelagi, Minister for Natural Resources, Niue. Marine protection is of great importance to the people

of Niue, saying that IUU fishing, the increasing level of fishing effort and climate change are all major threats to

Niue. Cyclones are appearing for the first time, coral bleaching and marine litter all impact the marine

environment. The government of Niue with various partners would like to announce their intention to make

40 % of the EEZ (127,000 km²) as a large-scale MPA encompassing the Beveridge Reef, introducing a ban on

commercial fishing over the next three years.

Jeremy Darroch, Chief Executive Officer, Sky Corporate. Sky, who have 23 million customers in Europe,

became carbon neutral 10 years ago. He said the company was now committed to reducing plastic wastage,

and launched the Sky Ocean Rescue initiative at the beginning of 2017. He committed to (i) the removal of all

single-use plastics from its operations, products and supply chain by 2020; (ii) EUR 30 M over 5 years to create

an Ocean Rescue Innovation Fund; and (iii) a partnership with WWF for the safeguarding MPAs around Europe.

Wietse van der Werf, Chief Executive Officer of the Sea Ranger Service presented the first international

maritime service, pioneering citizen engagement in environmental monitoring and conservation. He said that it

was possible to combine personal passion and with professional resources to create innovative solutions. He

reminded everyone that there are 6,500 MPAs in the world, but they lack resources to be patrolled, managed

and monitored. From 2018, 17 navy veterans will train more than 300 youth in a two year pilot. This will bring

this approach to new counties, with the added benefits of encouraging local ship-building.

Commitments from Island Stages

Argentina: Environment Ministry gave a commitment to creating two new MPAs which will increase the area

covered to 155,918 km² and be a first step to achieve the protection of 10 % of these areas.

Australia: stated that 36 % of Australia EEZ is already protected, and the focus is now on good management.

The Great Barrier Reef has a 25 year plan with acknowledged best practise, and the government is finalising the

next generation management plans. They would be happy to share this experience with others.

Cambodia: The Vice-Minister of Fisheries announced a commitment to establish a MPA of 120 km² and their

commitment to fighting IUU fishing by ratifying the PSMA agreement.

Costa Rica: was proud to inform that important actions have been taken, inc. the establishment of Cabo Blanco

Marine Management Area MPA (831 km²), and enforcing MPA management elsewhere. Costa Rica has started

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managing coastal zones with voluntary guidelines for sustainable fisheries and is developing a programme for

managing the Tropical Eastern Central Pacific.

Croatia: announced an expansion of their MPA network to achieve 11 % coverage. They announced EUR 24 M

for establishing 90 Natura 2000 sites and EUR 13 M for marine habitat mapping. By the end of 2018 will have a

marine monitoring system, with EUR 10 M over five years. Croatia also announced a five year national capacity

building program starting in 2017, to train Natura 2000/MPA managers, spatial and temporal regulation of

20 % of their internal waters.

Mexico’s representative announced the establishment of Revillagigedo National Park (140,000 km²) with a

total ban of fishing activities in the area.

Myanmar has a coast of 3,000 km and committed to develop a marine spatial plan by 2021 covering around

485,000 km² of Myanmar's EEZ.

Saudi Arabia, which has long coastlines on both Red Sea and the Gulf is committed to achieving the SDG 14

goals by combatting illegal fishing, and establishing MPAs, planting mangrove trees and reseeding coral reef

areas.

Romania reaffirmed its commitment to prepare a national plan to enhance institutional capacities and

cooperation with maritime sectors to achieve good environmental status in the Black Sea marine region by

2020, notably the protection and preservation of the marine ecosystem.

Environmental Law Institute: announced a EUR 1 M programme under a number of areas, inc. (i) decision-

making, EIA and MSP, (ii) better MPA enforcement, and (iii) addressing habitat degradation.

The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers produce 40 % of the world oil and gas and announced

that their updated Seabed Survey Data Model (SSDM) is now freely available.

Marine Construction Technologies stated that underwater noise is pervasive over most ocean basins, with

long-term and acute impacts. They committed to reduce this by 70-90 % per pile and a reduction of

construction-related noise pollution worldwide by 15 per cent by 2022.

The MAVA Foundation announced a EUR 17 M commitment to the conservation of marine biodiversity

conservation in the Mediterranean and West Africa.

Med ReAct: announced EUR 360,000 to launch the Adriatic Recovery Project over 2017 to 2020.

Nekton Labs: announced a scientific collaboration programme in the Indian Ocean over 2018 – 2021 with six

research cruises, culminating in a ‘State of the Indian Ocean Summit’ in 2021.

Tara Expeditions: Committed to financing a major expedition to the Pacific Ocean, looking at coral reefs and

micro biomes.

Saildrone: announced that by 2022 it will build a global ocean monitoring network consisting of 1,000 wind and

solar powered saildrones providing planetary coverage at a 6x6 degree resolution. In addition, from 2018,

Saildrone will award 30 days of saildrone-powered data per year (valued at c. EUR 842,000 of research ship

time), to the most impactful research project submitted.

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PANEL SESSION: MARITIME SECURITY AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Scene setter: Sir James Burnell-Nugent, Senior Fellow, Oceans Beyond Piracy opened by stating that without

maritime security, marine economic activities suffer, as 90 % of trade is conducted by sea. He noted that the

Stable Sea Maritime Security Index was published in Malta the previous day. He also said that the UN now has

full member status for the High Sea and that a collaborate approach is needed to the interconnected issues of

maritime security.

Moderator: His Excellency Robert Dussey, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Togolese Republic opened stating that

the first international summit on maritime security on Africa was held last year. He reminded the plenary that

the AU Charter for Maritime Security, Safety and Development (the Lomé Charter) has been signed, but whilst

progress is being made, there is still a lot of work to do.

His Excellency Danny Faure, President, Republic of Seychelles. Opened by stating that in 2009 piracy became a

new treat to the national wellbeing, cost of living and GDP of the Seychelles. An international response and UN

resolution to fight piracy off the coast of Somalia resulted in a rolling three year action plan in 2010 to combat

piracy, but regional capacity to combat piracy is still limited. There is also a need for international cooperation,

even as regional capacity builds, he called upon the EU to continue to support maritime security of the Western

Indian Ocean, a process due to end in 2018. He concluded by saying that maritime security is essential for a

sustainable blue economy, and committed to developing a comprehensive national maritime security strategy

over the next year.

Susi Pudjiastuti, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia opened by saying that

Indonesia is a large archipelago with over 17,000 islands, and thus highly dependent upon maritime resources.

She reported that IUU fishing had cost nearly 15 % households, was leading to food insecurity, as well as a loss

of export earnings. She said the Government had been very bold in combatting IUU fishing and as a result fish

stocks have increased from 7 to 12 million tonnes over the last 2.5 years at a cost of USD 10 million a year. She

finished by a call to give the ocean a right to be protected.

Yury Fedotov, Executive Director, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Opened by saying that satellite

imagery can be used to strengthen capacity-building efforts in maritime surveillance. The UNODC have

supported various countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean to better target illegal activities, but said there

was a need to address all the value chain. The UNODC has launched a four year project with Norway to

strengthen policy and legal frameworks, as well as capacity of prosecuting crimes in the fishery value chain and

was committed to support maritime surveillance capabilities.

François Lombard, Senior Vice President Head of Intelligence Business, Airbus Defence and Space said the big

challenge is to bring cost-effective data to support decision-making. Satellites are very versatile with many

different types of sensors and different resolutions. Airbus has ten private satellites that have global coverage

and are under-used for maritime uses, so there was a need to bring this new technology to the government

and private sector. He said it was possible to track very large areas, so it was essential to develop machine

learning for automating this. He finished by saying that Airbus was putting more marine information online via

the One Atlas platform.

Commitments from Island Stages

Italy: ensured that in 2018 maritime surveillance via four naval units and 700 personnel will protect vessels and

support maritime operations at a cost of EUR 84 M, as well as one naval unit and 200 personnel to train Libyan

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Coast Guard personnel at a cost of EUR 43 M. Italy will also invest EUR 200 M in short-term measures on

behalf of African countries, both at sea and land for addressing migration and control. In the Western Indian

Ocean, Italy will support a EU counter-piracy operation, with one navy unit and 200 personnel over 2018

costing EUR 26.8 M.

Japan hosted the first Coast Guard Global Summit in September 2017. As Japan suffers from tsunamis it

requires preparedness and awareness-building. Japan is particularly aware that climate change will result in

further natural disasters and impact maritime security, and is committed to support space-based observation

networks with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Fish-I Africa’s ‘Stop Illegal Fishing’ commits to developing a programme of vigilance in East Africa, covering 500

fishing vessels and will be completed by 2022.

Indian Ocean Commission: committed to increase from five to eight the number of states participating in the

EU-funded Regional Fisheries Monitoring mechanism in the Southwest Indian Ocean.

Iridium Satellites committed to (i) operate a Global Maritime Distress and Safety System from 2020 and (ii)

providing Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) services for tracking marine hazards.

Kongsberg Satellite Services announced that Space Norway will launch the first of a 10 satellite array to detect

IUU worth EUR 830,000.

Pew: announced EUR 5 M additional funding to be committed by 2020 towards a global system of enforcement

to fight IUU fishing. Pew will include continued work with partners such as Fish-I Africa and Ocean Mind for

detecting IUU and supply chain verification.

Satlink announced that by 2020 its electronic monitoring software will be extensively enhanced to facilitate

footage review, including potential discarding situations and support species’ recognition.

Thales Alenia Space and its partners with the support of France announced that they will be investing EUR 26

M over four years to support the development of Stratobus - an autonomous stratospheric airship an airship

that can fly at an altitude of 20 km for over a year at a time, and can survey objects over a 400 km wide area.

The first flight of Stratobus is foreseen for early 2021.

His Holiness Pope Francis: A representative of His Holiness Pope Francis spoke. He said that His Holiness took

this occasion to highlight a number of issues e.g. human trafficking, slave labour, poor welfare standards,

vulnerable coastal communities that need to be addressed at global level. He emphasized the need for multi-

lateral governance at local and reginal levels. He stated that the conference addresses the common heritage of

the human family, and that we cannot ignore the problems of ocean pollution, esp. from plastics that enter the

food chain and affect humans and non-humans alike. He concluded by saying that he had the honour of

conveying the blessing of His Holiness for the success of the Conference.

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FRIDAY, 6 OCTOBER 2017

WELCOME

Karmenu Vella, Member of the European Commission, responsible for Environment, Maritime Affairs and

Fisheries welcomed participants back to the second and final day of the conference. He reviewed the various

commitments made the previous day, stating that the bar for the second day was set very high, which he was

confident would be met. He discussed the importance of innovation in addressing oceanic issues, and then

announced that the EU would (i) make millions of euros available for marine spatial planning, (ii) put aside

funds for wave and tidal platforms with the environment impact assessment in mind and (iii) make available

EUR 10 M for start-up grants for innovation in small companies.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco opened by thanking the organisers for their

hospitality and for the EU in driving forward the dialogue on ocean governance. He said that Monaco had been

supporting MPA development since 1977, and that they are key in tackling climate change and ocean

acidification, promoting better carbon storage by flora, and keeping a healthy trophic structure. He considered

that the 10 % MPA target was not going far enough and that 30 % coverage was needed. He considered the

high seas to be the main challenge – they are half the world’s surface, but are beyond national jurisdiction. He

said there is a need for a coherent network of MPAs that are resilient and adaptive, with local participatory

decision-making. HSH stated that a land-based environmental policy needs to be integrated into ocean

conservation, and particularly highlighted the Beyond Plastic Med Initiative which launched a call for small-

scale projects in 2017, and have a EUR 200,000 budget for small projects over 2018. He believed that it is

important to involve the private sector in MPA development, as sustainable practises will drive sustainable

growth. If 30 % of the sea is to be MPAs, this could generate billions of dollars’ worth of benefits and

thousands of jobs, thus encouraging further investment. With France and Tunisia, he had set up a trust fund

for MPAs developing in the Mediterranean and that in 2018 there is a EUR 250,000 budget for further projects.

PANEL SESSION: BUILDING THE SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY OF TOMORROW AND

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Short video stating that the blue economy is worth 1.3 trillion euros, due to double by 2030 (OECD).

Scene setter: Hans Bruyninckx, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency. Opened stating that

the blue economy has great potential, but warned that we must not unleash an ‘offshore goldrush’ and must

learn from the oldest blue economy, fisheries. Fisheries has suffered extensively from many issues, such as the

lack of enforced legislation and a subsidies system has been a major driver for non-sustainability. But we now

see that good policies and enforceable legislation have allowed fisheries to bounce back. He then said that we

need to recognise that the economy of the 21st

century is different to the 20th

century – it must be an

ecosystems-based, low carbon circular economy, based upon financial, natural, social & cultural and human

capital. Finance is often over-valued, with others under-valued. He then announced that the EEA was

launching the ‘Wise Marine Information System for Europe’ to assist decision-makers build a sustainable blue

economy.

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Moderator: Pascal Lamy, Former Member of the European Commission, Former Director General of the WTO,

Former Global Ocean Commissioner and President Emeritus of the Jacques Delors Institute started by

reminding us that the WWF had published a study that concluded that oceans should sit at the G20 table and

that this is a good starting vison. There are five areas main areas of environmental impact: tourism, fisheries,

energy, minerals and biotechnology development. He reflected that innovation is important to provide new

data and scientific solutions. Finance is also essential, esp. for global infrastructure, systems and partnerships.

He concluded by emphasising the need to establish the right conditions for sustainable blue economic growth.

Neven Mimica, Member of the European Commission, responsible for International Cooperation and

Development opened by saying the doubling of the blue economy by 2030 is threatened by climate change and

marine pollution. SDG 14 and the Paris Agreement both recognise the importance of sustainable development,

and the EU is committed to honouring these global agreements. The EU has been supporting the fight against

IUU fishing, building capacity at both country and international levels and that yesterday Mr. Mimica had

signed a new Pacific Europe Marine Project worth EUR 45 M, supporting fisheries, climate change and marine

biodiversity conservation. He added that EUR 8.5 M is being pledged to the Caribbean basin, EUR 20 M for

MPAs in ACP countries and EUR 23 M to support the Copernicus satellite-based oceanic monitoring. He

concluded by saying that the EU was teaming up with the IMO in a EUR 10 M project setting up five marine

cooperation centres. These initiatives add up to over 100 million euros and demonstrate our commitment to

sustainable blue economic development and meeting the SDG 14 goals

Laura Tuck, Vice President for Sustainable Development, World Bank announced a total of EUR 296 M over the

next six years to advance the sustainable oceans and Blue Economy agenda in developing countries. This

includes EUR 102 M to improve the management of fisheries in the South West Indian Ocean region

(Madagascar, Seychelles, Maldives and the Indian Ocean Commission), with co-financing from the Global

Environment Facility and Japan; EUR 34 M to innovate fisheries and aquaculture value chains in Peru; EUR 126

M for Vietnam to enhance coastal resilience; EUR 20 M for the Marshall Islands to strengthen early warning

systems, support climate resilient investments in shoreline protection, and assist with crisis and emergency

responses; EUR 15 M to improve solid waste management in the Maldives; and technical assistance (with

financial support from Denmark) to help Indonesia develop an action plan to reduce marine plastic pollution.

Jonathan Taylor, Vice President, European Investment Bank said that the EIB lends around 80 billion euros,

with 20 % of funds to climate change and the marine environment. He announced the EIB’s three

commitments as (i) a EUR 110 M loan to the Caribbean Development Bank for climate change mitigation,

adaptation and resilience, (ii) EUR 16.7 M in the Sustainable Ocean Fund (SOF) with an initial portfolio on Latin

America Africa and Asia and (iii) EUR 30 M for research and development loam to Amadeite via the European

Fund for Strategic Investment for biotechnology development.

Adam Goldstein, President and Chief Executive Officer, Royal Caribbean Cruises said that half their ships are

flagged in Malta. RCC announced a new partnership with WWF that would commit that by 2020, RCC will

reduce by 35 % its greenhouse gas emissions from a 2005 baseline; increase the procurement of sustainable

seafood certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (to 65 % by 2020) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council

(to 75 % by 2020); offer education to its 60,000 crew members and five million guests on ocean conservation;

and offer 1,000 tours certified to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council standard to consumers visiting RCC’s

500 worldwide ports of call. He finished by saying that the WWF will verify these commitments by 2020, so

please keep tuned.

Julien Marshal, Vice President, Naval Energies believes marine renewable energies will decarbonise the blue

economy. With energy demand rising by 30 % by 2030, this will need to include tidal, wind and ocean

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temperature energy conversion. Naval Energy committed to (i) continue developing sustainable ocean energy

solutions for SIDS, (ii) developing OTEC technologies in French Overseas territories, (iii) developing tidal energy

in big tidal areas of France and Canada and (iv) build a tidal turbine factory with 40 jobs, and capable of

constructing 25 turbines a year and commit to delivering 35 tidal turbines by 2020 in Canada, France, Ireland

and the UK with 70 MW capacity.

Maria Damanaki, Global Managing Director for Oceans, The Nature Conservancy gave a presentation entitled

‘The seen and unseen value’. She emphasised the need to be solution, not problem focused. Her vision is to

have a’ Paris Agreement for the Ocean’. She emphasised the need to give a value to marine environmental

assets by mapping ocean wealth, stating that corals reefs can contribute USD 36 billion per year to economies

and can reduce wave energy down by 97 %. She said there was a need to leverage money via innovative

financial tools such as Blue Bonds. These efforts would target more than 200,000 km² of new MPAs and

upwards of USD 200 M in funding for their management and adaptation to climate change. She concluded by

stating that the way forward is to mainstream the blue economy through engagement at Ministerial level.

Commitments from Island Stages

Malta committed to establish and maintain a new government body by Jan 2018 with the remit of studying,

protecting, preserving, managing and educating on the country's rich underwater cultural heritage with a

budget of EUR 1.6 million over 3 years.

Belgium announced two commitments, to (i) adopt a federal action plan to combat marine litter by end of

2017, inc. breach clean-ups, awareness raising and (ii) align the 2014 Marine Spatial Plan with the SDG 14

targets by 2019.

The EU committed EUR 215 M to fund marine research under Horizon 2020, EUR 40 M to support water basin

management, EUR 12 M to combat marine litter, EUR 50 M for a resilient Mediterranean and EUR 60 M to

enhance cooperation with Brazil and other Atlantic coastal states. The EU also committed the enhancing

knowledge transfer via a Blue Science Cloud.

France: has set to double its blue economy by 2030, and will develop by 2020 a global approach for planning

marine spaces through strategic development through combining implementation of the national strategy and

the framework directive. France also announced it would ratify the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F) by 2019. This is part of France's

commitment to improve working conditions and training in the shipping and fisheries sectors

Greece has over 18,400 km of coastline and commits to expanding MPAs coverage from six per cent to more

than 20 % by 2020 in territorial waters, as well as expanding their Natura 2000 network.

Ireland stated it was pleased to allocate EUR 6 M for seabed mapping. Ireland also committed to reducing

marine litter and announced a roll out of marine environment education for all Irish schools from 2017

onwards and will continue to fund the Clean Coast programme over 2017 with EUR 320,000. Ireland

announced the extension of their Fishing for Litter campaign to 2 more ports.

The UK announced EUR 9.1 M between 2017 and 2018 to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to

preserve their marine environments and tap into maritime resources to catalyse economic development in a

sustainable way across Commonwealth countries.

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USA: USAID announced a partnership with the Walton Family Foundation to jointly support long-term

conservation work in the biologically-rich Bird’s Head Seascape area of the West Papua and Papua provinces of

Indonesia through a EUR 4.2 M three year grant to the Blue Abadi Fund.

The 43 country Union for the Mediterranean announced their agreement to set up by February 2018 a Task

Force on Environment in order to facilitate the implementation, among others, of the Horizon 2020 Initiative

for a Cleaner Mediterranean, which is joining efforts of all committed stakeholders in addressing the 80 % of

the sources of pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by the year 2020. They also announced the launch of the

Virtual Knowledge Centre (VKC) on Blue Economy as a regional networking platform on maritime affairs by the

end of 2018.

UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and International Seabed Authority (ISA)

reaffirmed that during 2017-2018 they will hold a series of capacity building events on Blue Economy in the

Pacific which will further explore and highlight the potential contribution of the deep-sea mining industry to

support national and regional development priorities.

Althelia Ecoscope and partners announced scalable approaches to support the development of a sustainable

blue economy. This would include putting USD 50 M into a portfolio of projects, including sustainable seafood

and supply chains, and coastal infrastructure for pollution control.

Calysta: reaffirmed that production of their fishmeal substitute FeedKind would reach 20,000 tonnes by 2019

and 200,000 tonnes by 2024 without negatively impacting agricultural or water resources on land.

Conservation International announced that together with the Natural Capital Coalition, they are (i) developing

natural capital protocols for oceans, (ii) developing a multi-million dollar Blue Accelerator Fund and (iii) are

working with Costa Rica to use satellite monitoring for potential IUU detection.

Federazione Imprese & CONFALIS announced the launch of the Foundation CSMARE in July 2017 as a

specifically purpose-designed tool of private origin and public partnership. EUR 15 M has been committed by

2022 to seek alternative marine fuels.

The Grimaldi Group announced a program to build a new generation of hybrid ro-ro vessels, costing two billion

euros over four years. These will have 100 % increase in cargo capacity, with high levels of green technology,

inc. air lubrication systems and large lithium battery packs, leading to a reduction in emissions of 50 % per sea

cargo on short-sea route between North Italy and Spain by 2020.

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO committed that (i) IOC member states develop

projects for scientific advances in oceanic conservation and management, (ii) with the support of Sweden,

dedicate EUR 211,975 by 2018 to develop an ocean school programme to foster ocean literacy; and (iii) with

the EU, launch a global road map by 2030 for Marine Spatial Planning.

The North Adriatic Sea Port Authority (NASPA) announced its commitment to promote the renewal and

expansion of the Venice Blue Flag Agreement in 2018 and 2019; to reduce particular matter cruise emissions of

more than 40 % at a local scale by using MDO/MGO fuel.

Sea Europe: committed EUR 500 M of investment to deploy, demonstrate and promote on-board and on-shore

ballast water treatment solutions.

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Australia committed to three areas of support, (i) EUR 1.3 M for the Pacific Maritime Boundaries Project, (ii)

EUR 2.8 M for a four-year investment to increase capacity in Pacific island countries (PICs) to combat IUU

fishing and (iii) support to fisheries management across the Pacific.

PANEL SESSION: SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Short video introduction.

Opening address: Steven Adolf, Author and Researcher stating that tuna are iconic fish, with an annual catch of

five million tonnes, worth USD 42 billion. New market-let partnerships have improved sustainability, and good

stock management has led to the recovery of bluefin tuna in the Atlantic Ocean.

Scene setter: Dr. Sloans Kalumba Chimatiro, Focal Country Director, WorldFish spoke on the need for a

human-centred approach, and that one euro’s worth of fish landed produced three euros in income down the

value chain. He said fish also has an essential food security role, and it is more cost-effective to manage

fisheries and oceans than replace lost incomes with alternative livelihoods. He concluded that we need policies

to support the role of small-scale fishers to act as stewards for coastal waters.

Moderator: Steve Trent, Executive Director, Environmental Justice Foundation said the oceans absorb 30 % of

global CO2 and produces more O2 than all the world’s forests together. But 90 % of fish stocks are overfished,

with IUU fishing taking one in every four fish and is often associated with other crimes. We need to eradicate

flags of convenience, have an open vessel registry and introduce VMS to all boats. He said we have technology,

logistics and the finance, but need the political will which is why this conference is so important. Action today

can save our oceans for tomorrow.

Premdut Koonjoo, Minister of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Republic of

Mauritius said there is a strong need to protect the oceans from the effects of climate change, over-fishing and

marine pollution. The Paris Agreement and adoption of SDG 14 shows international commitment to address

global issues. He said there is a need to reduce our vulnerability to exogenous shocks, and that by harnessing

ocean resources, the issue of poverty, unemployment and ecological imbalances can be tackled. Ocean-based

industries are likely to increase in importance in future, esp. offshore aquaculture, renewable energy and

biotechnology, but these must be used in a sustainable way, and this conference will provide a platform for

addressing these key challenges. Mauritius has five commitments to the ocean economy, (i) it will launch in

2018 an assessment of all the fishing vessels operating in the waters of the IOC States to study their identity,

history, ownership and activities, (ii) will establish up of 20 coral nurseries over 2018-22, (iii) will develop a

Marine Spatial Plan by 2021, (iv) launch an ocean data management project to improve data accessibility in

2018 and (v) announced to increase research on the possible link of contaminated seafood consumption with

the rise in diseases such as cancer.

Ana Paula Vitorino, Minister of Sea, Portuguese Republic started with saying that we have to be aware there is

no ‘Plan B’ for the ocean or the planet. Portugal, as an EU member, gives high priority to the sustainability of

fishing stocks and is committed to achieving MSY by 2020, fighting IUU fishing and ensuring catch

documentation and traceability (CDT). This has been supported by two approaches, co-management with

Producer Organisations and the creation of MPAs, with an aim to develop 14 MPAs by 2020. Portugal is

committing to: (i) by 2020 to introduce new legislation for restricting the introduction of non-indigenous

species, (ii) increasing the funding of deep sea scientific research and (iii) putting EUR 3 M for information and

communication technology upgrades.

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José Graziano da Silva, D-G, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said millions of people, mostly in small-

scale fisheries (SSF), rely on fish for a living and risk being further marginalised by the failures in management.

FAO announced to invest more than EUR 422,000 through the Blue Hope Project that will initially involve three

coastal countries along the Mediterranean. Mr. da Silva reiterated his support for the FAO Port States

Agreement (PSMA) and said that in addition to the EU, 47 countries have now ratified the agreement. At the

first meeting of PSMA signatories in May 2017, FAO committed USD 25 M to support PSMA roll-out. He made

three pledges to the conference (i) to continue supporting the adoption of the PSMA, (ii) to increase the

resilience of small scale fisheries; and (iii) redouble efforts to work with ILO to support workers in fisheries and

aquaculture.

Guy Ryder, D-G, International Labour Organization said that 350 million people depend upon the ocean for

their livelihoods, but that there are significant issues still in maritime working conditions, ranging from long

hours, hazardous conditions, forced labour, child labour to trafficking, damaging both individuals and the

reputation of the sector. ILO therefore committed to (i) supporting the Work in Fishing Convention, No. 188

entering into force in Nov 2017, (ii) expand upon its activities for the promotion of the ratification and

implementation of the 2006 Maritime Labour Convention which now covers 90 % of mariners, (iii) will support

the rights of migrant fishers and (iv) announced EUR 1.5 M in 2018 to implementing projects to combat

unacceptable forms of work and human trafficking in the fishing and seafood industry.

Arthur Min, Vice President, Vulcan said that advanced technology can allow government to access real-time

information for the identification of IUU fishing activities. Vulcan has committed USD 40 M into the

development of Sky Light, a technology platform to support fisheries governance and research programmes

and will leverage science, media, and technology to deliver this programme. Working initially with Gabon,

Vulcan’s strategy is to scale up impact through Sky Light, opening it up to other partners in 2018.

Lasse Gustavsson, Senior Vice President and Executive Director, Oceana Europe said that there are 7.6 billion

people on earth, with 815 million people going hungry. IUU fishing steal fish from legitimate users and

destroys habitats and Oceana is delighted to announce that global insurance industry leaders including Allianz

AGCS, AXA, Hanseatic Underwriters, Generali, and The Shipowners’ Club have signed a statement committing

to not insure or facilitate the insuring of IUU fishing vessels. This will reduce the risk of laundering money

through fraudulent insurance claims.

Commitments from Island Stages:

Korea: announced EUR 85 M between 2017 and 2027 for the establishment of the World Fisheries University

and reaffirmed its commitment to invest EUR 4.5 M to support the establishment and operation of a Marine

Acidification Monitoring system over 2017 and 2021.

The Philippines has overhauled of its fisheries law, with all fisheries to have science-based management plans

by 2022. In 2017 the government appropriated USD 12.3 M for the expansion of their VMS, covering 35 %

registered vessels by 2022. The Philippines will also ratify the PSMA and commit to addressing marine

pollution to reduce pollution by 50 %.

Spain announced it will join France and Malta in the Marine Charter and will achieve by 2020 its 10 % MPA

target. Spain will focus on multi-disciplinary approach to capacity-building in marine environmental issues and

commit to stop plastic bags use by 2020. Spain will combat IUU fishing via ISO 9000 certification and have

subscribed to the ILO Convention for their high seas tuna fleet.

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Thailand will also ratify ILO Convention for improving working standards at sea. They will integrate the SDGs

goals into national policy, look at CDT for preventing IUU fishing and commit to target of 10 % MPA coverage by

2030.

The USA announced a partnership with the Walton Family Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard

Foundation, and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to jointly launch a Seafood Alliance for Legality and

Traceability (SALT) with USAID awarding an EUR 4.4 M five-year cooperative agreement.

The African Confederation of Artisanal Fisheries Professional Organisations committed to supporting gender

equality and plan to implement the FAO commitments to sustainable SSF.

Bolton Alimentari and WWF announced a new partnership to supply 100 % of Bolton Alimentari seafood from

sustainable sources by 2024. This partnership will support well-managed fisheries, foster transparency along

the seafood supply chain and increase consumer’s awareness on the importance of sustainable seafood. The

partnership entails a financial commitment made by Bolton Alimentari of EUR 1.6 M from 2017-2020.

Carrefour will stop using free plastic bags in their stores and in partnership with WWF will sell 50 % of its fish as

sustainable by 2022.

EcoHub use technology to support value-chain development. They provide CDT solutions via mFISH, using low

bandwidth 2 G cellular networks. EcoHub commits launching in seven new markets in Asia in local languages,

and is currently designing a block gear mechanism called FishCoin.

GFCM announced EUR 19.6 M by 2020 under its mid-term strategy towards the sustainability of Mediterranean

and Black Sea fisheries to help implement SDG 14 and the 2030 Agenda.

GEF announced a EUR 19 M investment in fisheries, with projects in the Caribbean (with WB & FAO) and in

West Africa (with the WB).

International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) which represents 75 % of tuna supply announced that

(i) in order to combat IUU, companies must trace all products to species and area of capture and (ii) that all fish

aggregating devices (FADs) must be ecological and non-entangling.

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) announced its commitment to engage 20 % of global marine catch in

its program by 2020, supporting productivity and resilience in globally important marine ecosystems. This will

be achieved by expanding the number of key Large Marine Ecosystems in which more than 20 % of the marine

catch is MSC certified, and growing the number of key commercial species, and fisheries in the Global South,

engaged in the MSC program.

Nofima, the Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries & Aquaculture Research announced investment of EUR 1.5

M over 2018-2020 to improve socially and economically sustainable seafood production.

The Organization of Associated Producers of Large Tuna Freezers (OPAGAC) announced that it will apply the

AENOR standard for responsible tuna fishing and apply social conditions on board fishing vessels in line with

the 2007 Work in Fishing Convention of the ILO and (ii) in partnership with WWF, is looking toward MSC

certification by 2021 for all OPAGAC catches.

Partnership for Sharks and Rays has committed USD eight million to projects in different countries in order to

limit the trade in CITES listed species.

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Rare commits to mobilize EUR 84.7 M by 2021 and capitalise a EUR 15.3 M Impact Fund by October 2017 in

support of sustainable small-scale fisheries. Rare commits to building the capacity of local communities and

partners, supporting national policy and value chain improvements to reduce the threat from overfishing in

more than 320,000 km² hectares of coastal waters and engage more than one million fishers in sustainable

fishing practices in at least ten countries globally.

Thai Union announced a strategy to ensure 100 % of all of its tuna brands (including John West, Genova,

Chicken of the Sea, MareBlu, Petit Navire and SEALECT) are to be sustainably sourced with a commitment of

achieving a minimum of 75 % by 2020. Thai Union will invest EUR 77 M in initiatives to achieve this objective

and allied with a number of partners including WWF, MSC, Legambiente and the Global Sustainable Seafood

Initiative. In agreement with Greenpeace, Thai Union also agreed to a comprehensive package of reforms to

improve tuna traceability and reduce bycatch.

WWF committed to promote SSF in the Mediterranean, working with other NGOs and GFCM in eight countries

to fill data gaps, develop co-management schemes and increase market access.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan. Her Majesty said she was encouraged by the progress made by the

conference so far, and congratulated Commissioner Vella on its organisation. She acknowledged her passion

for marine conservation and shared her experience from the Middle East, a region much affected by climate

change and other issues. She emphasised that ocean health is a matter of national and global security, with

vulnerable groups being disproportionally affected by climate change and other impacts. Environmental issues

are having dangerous effects right now, with Arab countries having over 30,000 km of coastline threatened by

coastal development, overfishing and marine pollution. Jordan has played a long and proud role in

environmental management, and associated socio-economic development, where empowering communities

has been key to increasing resilience and multi-stakeholder engagement is critical to leverage efforts. HM

Queen Noor said that she had faith that together we can make a difference. The Islamic Statement on Climate

Change is also an important turning point in the Arab World, moving towards a greener (and blue) economy.

She also reflected on similar statements from other religions, emphasising a united global will to promote

sustainable living. She concluded by saying that we have not yet fully capitalised on the leverage of our faith

leaders around the world for both the short and long term good.

PANEL SESSION: CLIMATE-RELATED IMPACTS ON THE OCEAN AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Short introductory video.

Scene setter: Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, Director of the Global Change Institute at the University of Queensland

opened by saying that we have long regarded the ocean to be a massive global sink, but we now know this not

to be true. With 49 % of the Great Barrier Reef over two years and the recent storms in the Caribbean, this is

truly a catastrophic time. Business as usual has failed, so there is a need for new business models and strong

action on global emissions. This will require hard decisions e.g. leaving 95 % of fossil fuels in the ground,

together with a shift to renewable energy sources, with carbon being priced fairly. We also need to build social

and economic resilience to climate change and allow conditions for unfettered innovation. In summary there is

a need to move beyond finger pointing, so everyone work together, with everyone committing not to destroy

the future of our children.

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Moderator: José María Figueres, Former President of Costa Rica, former Co-Chair of the Global Ocean

Commission, co-founder of Ocean Unite and President of the Carbon War Room opened with saying that

‘maths does not lie’ - having reached 400 ppm CO2 the word has a major problem that needs to be addressed

urgently, as oceans produce 50 % of oxygen, fixes 25 % of CO2 and has absorbed 93 % of global heating since

2015. This is resulting in global warming, with five per cent of the global population vulnerable, we have lost

50 % of coral reefs since 1970, there will be ice free areas by 2025 and seas are warming, dramatically affecting

climate. Essentially, the world is becoming uninsurable, in personal, business and global economy levels. He

said we need to decouple emissions from development and move from a low carbon economy to a blue

economy. He concluded by saying he was an optimist, and that we can mitigate the effects of climate change,

and create new opportunities through blue development.

David Dingle, Chairman, Carnival UK said that they have pioneered the use of liquid natural gas in the cruise

industry, with lower sulphur emissions, >95 % reduction in particulates, an 85 % reduction in nitrous oxides and

25 % reduction in carbon emissions. Carnival started using LNG in ports in 2015, and have introduced duel fuel

engines. The next step is the launching of seven cruise ships fully powered by LNG being delivered over 2018 –

2022. This will not be simple or cheap, as there are a number of technical challenges, but he looked forward to

the prospect of an emission-free industry.

Thorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Iceland stated that the “ocean gives,

and the ocean takes”. She said that Iceland is highly dependent upon the ocean for its existence, and whilst

climate change has impacted on the distribution of fish stocks, it was possible to adapt and thrive. She said that

sea temperature rise, ocean pollution and acidification are deeply troubling and there is a need for science-

based solutions from a combination of academia, private sector and innovators at a global level. She

concluded by saying Iceland has a 30 year project to map all its EEZ, and is developing precautionary harvest

control rules for Icelandic fisheries. She finished by saying that we need to collaborate, so “all hands on deck”.

Simon Stiell, Minister of Blue Economy and Education, Grenada. The Paris Agreement to keep global

temperature rise below 2° C and if possible below 1.5° C gave us small islanders hope but sadly we are no

nearer to achieving these goals. With 2020 just around the corner, this commitment has lost its vigour. Over

USD 100 billion damage has resulted from the recent hurricanes and the war has come to small islands, even if

the SIDS did not start it. He stated that climate change is reality and that SIDS are particularly vulnerable,

resulting in a need for a quantum shift in behaviour, especially by the larger countries. He went on to say that

Grenada is pursuing a blue growth pathway, including establishing a Blue Innovation institution, and Blue

Coastal Master Plan, and is working with funding agencies to develop new funding instruments. He concluded

by saying that let’s not waste another two decades before acting and then challenged the world to act now.

John Frank, Vice President of Government Affairs, Microsoft committed to make their artificial intelligence and

cloud technologies available to ocean sciences, as much modern technology is unaffordable and inaccessible to

many scientists. Microsoft have committed EUR 1.7 M in the form of grants to artificial intelligence (AI) and

data science tools and associated training packages. The “AI for Earth EU Oceans Award” will allocate some of

these funds exclusively to work on oceans with EU-based research institutions and is intended to attract

innovators from around Europe.

José Soares dos Santos, Chairman, Oceano Azul Foundation said there is a growing momentum to address

global oceanic issues, but there is a need for business to come forward to act. With 1.5 million visits to the

Oceanário de Lisboa, reaching 150,000 children, the aquarium is a privileged window to the environment. The

Foundation has committed EUR 81 M to date, including the purchase of the aquarium, and has also committed

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EUR 0.5 M for the next five years in order to empower local fishing communities to cooperatively manage their

fisheries.

France announced that, in accordance with the Paris Agreement objectives on climate change, that it will ban

hydrocarbon production on its territory by the 2040's. France also stated it was carrying out impact assessment

of EUR 0.25 M for setting up a large region with low CO2 and sulphur emissions in the Mediterranean. France

made a number of other commitments, including EUR 0.8 M to support eight research projects to advance

scientific understanding of ocean acidification, and its impacts on marine biodiversity; a EUR 1.5 M

commitment to protect and restore marine and coastal ecosystems in the Northern Mozambique Channel; and

EUR 1.2 M to a marine restoration project in Costa Rica.

The UK spokesperson said the BBC Blue Planet 2 has shown the impact of climate change on wildlife, and that

ocean acidification is a fundamental threat to the oceanic food web, affecting cold water corals. The UK

therefore commits one million pounds to address this issue. The UK also announced EUR 5.8 M for marine

projects through the Darwin Initiative and Darwin Plus competitive grant schemes in developing countries and

the UK Overseas Territories in 2017.

The USA: a NOAA spokesperson announced four commitments: (i) an Arctic Observing Network initiative, (ii)

will expand the Pier-2-Peer scientific mentorship program from 49 to 60 active pairs of scientists by the 2018

Our Ocean conference, (iii) allocated EUR 0.36 M through the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Peaceful

Uses Initiative to the Ocean Acidification International Coordination Center (OA-ICC) and (iv) designation of the

He’eia National Estuarine Research Reserve in Hawaii for long-term research, water-quality monitoring,

education, and coastal stewardship.

The International Chamber of Shipping announced to reduce CO2 emissions to mitigate increases in ocean

temperatures and prevent acidification by: (i) maintaining international shipping’s annual total CO2 emissions

below 2008 levels; and (ii) reducing CO2 emissions per tonne-km by at least 20 % by 2022, compared to 2008.

The BNP Paribas Foundation committed EUR 1.5 M to two research projects to enhance scientific knowledge

on climate change impact on two major ecosystems: coral reefs and polar systems.

The Clean Arctic Alliance commented about the risks of using heavy marine oil in Arctic and looked to broaden

support for a worldwide ban for the use of heavy oil in the Arctic.

Conservation International considers mangroves as a ‘super ecosystem’ and announced the formation of the

Global Mangrove Alliance with an ambitious goal to halt mangrove loss and increase mangrove coverage by

20 % by 2030.

Coral Vita: reaffirmed its commitment to transplant 5,000 climate change resilient corals by 2020 from its

Caribbean pilot coral farm. It announced that it will launch the first large-scale farm by 2021.

GEF: announced EUR 17.8 investments to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacities in coastal areas

vulnerable to climate change in Mozambique, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau and the Mediterranean.

HAROPA: committed to improve its waste management and circular economy strategy by 2020, by removing

all floating wastes from its ports and establishing a fluvial platform in the Port of Paris.

The International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification now have 48 members, supporting ocean

acidification action plans, and commit to grow membership to over 60 in 2018 and produce two Action Plans in

2019.

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Aker Biomarine announced EUR 0.83 M over the next five years to the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund to

further its work on promoting and facilitating research on the Antarctic ecosystem.

MAN Diesel and Turbo pledged EUR 2 M to 10 LNG-retrofits to improve environmental efficiency & footprint of

existing vessels.

The Ocean Foundation announced a EUR 1.05 M initiative for the ocean acidification capacity building for 2017

and 2018, particularly for developing nations.

The Surfrider Foundation Europe announced three commitments: (i) the launch of the #ResetyourHabit

campaign to creating awareness on the impact of single-use water plastic bottles, (ii) it will work in partnership

with ship-owners and key maritime stakeholders to reduce shipping emissions through the promotion of a label

for sustainable shipping in France by 2025; and (iii) with a number of partners, announced the launch of the

LIFE LEMA marine litter project.

The Wildlife Conservation Society announced (i) the development of working groups to support marine

conservation with the Science for Nature and People (SNAP) partnership and (ii) with a number of partners,

reaffirmed their commitment to develop noise reduction targets in ocean areas.

The World Economic Forum is further developing its partnership for enabling the end to end traceability of

tuna by 2020, including opening an office in San Francisco.

XL Catlin announced its commitment to spend between EUR 2.1 and EUR 2.5 M over 2017-2018 on its Ocean

Risk Initiative, as well as continue funding the XL Catlin Oceans Education program, which aims to increase

ocean literacy by reaching 10 million children by 2020.

REPORT FROM THE YOUTH EVENT.

Daniela Fernandez, Founder and CEO, Sustainable Oceans Alliance reported back on the Youth Event saying

there were three main takeaways (i) young people feel excluded from the important discussions that matter to

our future, (ii) that the next generation understand that multi-sectoral cooperation is essential and (iii) that

young people need access to funding to ensure their visions come to life. She concluded by saying how excited

she was to announce that the Sustainable Oceans Alliance will be launching the @SOAlliance Ocean Solutions

Accelerator to give access to expertise and other resources worldwide.

OUR OCEAN LEADERSHIP AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Scene setter: Kristina Maria Gjerde, Senior High Seas Advisor to the International Union for the Conservation

of Nature’s (IUCN) Global Marine and Polar Programme focused on areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ),

saying a new strategy to promote global law, scientific research and new resources was needed to build the

capacity for this agenda. She said that the Census for Marine Life reminded us to the inter-connectedness of

the oceans and the need for urgent action through a joint strategy to address issues such as ocean acidification

and marine pollution. A new globally binding agreement for the ocean ABNJ was needed, including MPAs and

environmental impact assessments to reduce degradation and build resilience. She said the time is now for the

identification of ocean sustainability funds, possibly through a ‘World Bank for the oceans’. She concluded by

saying that there is a need to forge alliances amongst governments to move forward so we don’t miss this

opportunity to start addressing key issues in ocean governance and conservation.

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Moderator: His Excellency John Kerry, Visiting Distinguished Statesman, Carnegie Endowment for International

Peace and former US Secretary of State, United States of America started by declaring that results of the last

four years of ‘Our Ocean’ events shows it can make a difference, with 2.5 million km² of additional MPAs

declared this year alone. But he pleaded that these commitments are met, and a structure is developed to

guarantee forward motion. He said that these commitments are based on common sense, as well as science

and the marshalling of facts. The challenge is now whether we will move fast enough or not? The growing

instability of the eastern ice sheet in the Antarctic is a sign that this situation is critical. People in power have

to make hard decisions and every day counts. Paris was a ‘first’ in that 195 nations agreed a course and is

already leveraging some effects. He went on to say that good energy policies are the key to the climate crisis,

with renewables becoming more efficient and cost-effective. He noted that USD 12 trillion is sitting in net

negative interest funds waiting to be used. He said that this Conference should be the start of a multi-lateral

political movement like the Earth Day, progressing holistic decisions to address multiple problems, such as IUU

fisheries. He finished by saying he believed that the tide is turning, but want to remind of what Rachel Carson

wrote 70 years ago in that it is “A curious situation that the sea, from which life first arose should now be

threatened by the activities of one form of that life. But the sea, though changed in a sinister way, will continue

to exist; the threat is rather to life itself”.

His Excellency Tommy Remengesau, President, Republic of Palau opened by saying that the success of the

conferences can be measured in two ways: commitments levels are one of them, but the second is the number

of sustained partnerships developed. He went on to say that the ocean is sick and will die if we don’t cure it,

and that fully protected MPAs are a proven path to healthy ecosystems and sustainable fisheries. However, he

emphasised, there must be a move to protect areas in the high seas and called upon the international

community to take responsible actions – for instance whilst Palau has an MPA the size of France and banned

shark fishing, there is still a need to protect areas outside their borders. He concluded by saying he was proud

to announce that the 2020 venue for the ‘Our Ocean’ conference would be Palau.

Her Excellency Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Ghana thanked the EU for

supporting the 2017 Our Ocean conference. She said that Ghana’s President is committed to addressing the

changes of marine pollution, and that the sensitive Ghanaian coasts are threatened by pollution, and must be

addressed by a holistic approach to sustainable development. Ghana passed the Marine Pollution Act in 2016

and wants to reduce plastic pollution and to designate the first Ghana MPA by 2025. As an oil producing

nation, Ghana needs to balance economic development and environmental management. This is a

transboundary issue, so Ghana has established a number of coordination mechanisms in the Gulf of Guinea.

New and innovative mechanisms, such as PPPs, and civil society empowerment, are essential to reverse this

cycle of decline. She concluded by saying that establishing goals does not guarantee a result - you need

strategies and action to achieve results, and the time to act is now.

Vidar Helgesen, Minister of Climate and the Environment, Kingdom of Norway opened by saying that keeping

oceans alive is a matter of life itself. The USD 83 billion lost each year due to illegal fishing, rising seawater

temperatures and ocean acidification are the three key issues now, demonstrating that the full and swift

implementation of the Paris Agreement is now paramount. He said that Norway has a new strategy in ocean

economics and two new MPAs have been declared since the last conference. Norway is also prioritising plastic

pollution, which he described as “an outrage” and that it is “the modern day sea monster”. A vision for zero

plastic waste is needed and Norway has allocated 150 M NOK (c. EUR 16 M) for developing countries in

addressing marine litter, and Norway will raise EUR 40 to 50 M annually to reduce plastic packaging and bags.

Norway is also supporting efforts against IUU fishing, supporting PSMA roll-out with EUR 1.1 M. Finally, he

announced Norway’s support to a FAO project to enhance awareness of governments and other stakeholders

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at global, regional and national level on the contribution of small-scale fisheries to food security and poverty

reduction at a cost of around EUR 2.5 M.

Arif Havas Oegroseno, Deputy Minister of the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs of the Republic of

Indonesia. Maritime Affairs, Republic of Indonesia said that Indonesia had recently announced their first Ocean

Policy with 77 strategic programmes for resource management, MCS and maritime diplomacy. The country has

a National Plan of Action (NPOA) on marine debris, aiming to reduce this by 70 % by 2015 and has also just

launched an Alliance for Marine Plastic Solutions (AMPS). Indonesia will expand MPA coverage to 200,000 km²

by 2020. Indonesia is also suffering from sea level rise, and is establishing a forum for archipelagos and SIDS to

meet on a regular basis to compact climate change-related issues. Susi Pudjiastuti, Minister of Maritime

Affairs and Fisheries, Republic of Indonesia introduced next year’s Our Ocean conference in 2018 in Bali,

Indonesia and urged a higher attendance of political leaders from around the world.

Katuska Drouet, Minister for Aquaculture and Fisheries, Republic of Ecuador said that she wanted to boost the

living standard of her people, but in a sustainable manner, as the loss of resources and environmental

degradation can lead to the loss of jobs and livelihoods. She said there is a need to combine science, economic

and social awareness to change our approach, and Ecuador is developing environmentally-friendly technologies

in order to respond to the most demanding markets. The country is determined to combat IUU fishing and

marine plastic pollution, as well as establish further MPAs. She concluded by saying that the only way we can

repair the damage we have caused is to stand together.

John Kerry concluded the session, saying that every speaker spoke about plastic, over-fishing and the need for

fisheries enforcement. The overwhelming theme is that there is a need for a robust, holistic management

approach, with everyone playing their part as a coordinated global movement.

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CLOSING KEYNOTE SPEECH

Frans Timmermans, First Vice President of the European Commission thanked Prime Minister Muscat of Malta

for both his presidency of the EU and hosting the conference. He also thanked John Kerry for his conviction

and friendship, and mentioned the pivotal role of Sylvia Earle in persuading him of the need for action in the

marine environment. He noted the global sense of urgency, and the EU’s role in translating into action prior to

Bali next year. He said that the impact on oceans is profound, so we have a lot of work to do, with good

governance and increased awareness both critical to success. He recognised the need to facilitate behavioural

change, as most people want to do the ‘right thing’, and that the complexity of the situation means we need a

holistic, multi-stakeholder approach. The EU has committed EUR 550 M so far this year, including for new

MPAs, action on climate change, addressing fisheries management and stimulating the blue economy. He

noted that research and science is a key base for this, with EUR 250 M invested every year by Horizon 2020 in

R&D. With 400 kg plastic going into the oceans each second, an EU Plastic Strategy is key to move to a more

circular model, and that the EU is working on an integrated strategy for microplastics. Single use plastic items

are a particular concern, as they are not economically efficient to recycle – the European Commission is

committing today to phase out by the end of 2017 all single-use plastic cups in their buildings. Mr Timmermans

concluded by stating that the Commission will support a multi-level platform for ocean governance by 2020.

CLOSING REMARKS

Karmenu Vella, Member of the European Commission, responsible for Environment, Maritime Affairs and

Fisheries closed the conference with some final remarks. He first thanked all the participants, especially for the

six billion euros of commitments made at that point. He then noted that the conference has resulted in new

partnerships between different stakeholders and regions, and that the business community had truly stepped

up to the plate. He said that up until this conference more than two billion euros have been invested in ocean

management, inc. MPAs, but noted that the credibility of this and future conferences will depend upon the

actual implementation of these commitments and announced the EU would set up a fund for tracking the

results of these 2017 Our Ocean commitments, so the real work is just beginning.

The Commissioner then thanked the conference partners in making it such a success, with particular thanks to

all the audio-visual technicians who put on such a spectacular show. He again thanked the Maltese

Government and PM Muscat for their support throughout and also thanked John Kerry for initiating the Our

Ocean events. However, he reserved his biggest thanks to all ocean lovers and protectors around the world,

and then presented Youth Summit spokesperson Daniela Fernandez and his grandson as the true owners of the

ocean. With that, the conference was declared closed.